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Albertsons Companies is seeking more than $9 billion from Kroger over the collapse of their proposed supermarket merger, but the demand is not a court award. The contract dispute is pending in Delaware Chancery Court, where a two-week trial was scheduled to begin October 19, 2026, according to Albertsons’ SEC filing. The companies’ competing claims remain unresolved.
What happened to the Kroger–Albertsons merger?
Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons was valued at $24.6 billion. The Federal Trade Commission challenged the transaction as anticompetitive, and the deal was halted in September 2024. The regulatory challenge and the current damages case are separate matters: the first concerned whether the merger could proceed, while the latter concerns what the companies say they were required to do under their merger agreement and who is responsible for the failed transaction. The FTC’s challenge did not itself determine the companies’ contractual claims against one another. The FTC’s case record gives the transaction’s stated value and regulatory context.
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How much is Albertsons demanding?
Albertsons is seeking more than $9 billion, according to Bloomberg Law’s October 12, 2026 report. Its asserted claim has two distinct parts: a $600 million termination fee under the merger agreement and additional damages. Albertsons’ earlier SEC filing described the additional damages as an amount to be determined at trial; it did not provide a final figure. The reported demand should therefore not be confused with a settled calculation or a judgment. Albertsons’ SEC filing describes the termination-fee claim and the planned trial.
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The October 12 report says Kroger argues that Albertsons is not entitled to the termination fee and characterizes Albertsons’ additional-damages theory as involving estimated taxes on the deal premium. That is Kroger’s reported position, not an established damages calculation; the report does not give the underlying computation or expert evidence. The termination-fee issue and the additional-damages claim are related to the failed deal but are separate parts of the dispute.
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- Redemption Steps: Customer must present eGift QR code payment either printed, or on mobile device to Checker as tender.
- Albertsons Companies gift cards can be redeemed at any of our store locations or for online transactions. For online purchases, gift cards must first be loaded to the applicable Albertsons Companies banner wallet (example Safeway, Jewel, Vons, etc).
- Checker Instructions: Total order, Press EFT FULL, Scan QR code (printed or mobile version) with handheld scanner.
- Self-checkout Instructions: Select "Pay with Scan" when prompted for payment type, then scan QR code with handheld scanner."
- Visit ALBERTSONS.THEGIFTCARDSHOP.COM/RETAIL to find a store location near you
Why does Albertsons say Kroger is responsible?
Albertsons alleges that Kroger failed to perform obligations under the merger agreement that were necessary to secure regulatory approval. On that basis, Albertsons says Kroger owes the termination fee as well as additional damages. Albertsons’ SEC filing previously described the extra damages as an amount for the court to determine at trial, rather than setting out a final sum. These are allegations Albertsons must establish in court, not findings that Kroger breached the agreement.
What does Kroger say?
Kroger disputes Albertsons’ account. It says Albertsons failed to perform its own obligations, denies that the termination fee is owed, and has filed counterclaims. Those counterclaims are Kroger’s response in the litigation; they do not mean a court has accepted its position. The parties’ contractual positions are contested, and the legal responsibility for the merger’s failure has not been decided. The Associated Press previously reported on the suit and Kroger’s counterclaims: AP’s report on the companies’ dispute.
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- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Has Albertsons been awarded the money?
No. The more-than-$9-billion figure is Albertsons’ demand, and the $600 million fee is the amount it claims under the agreement. Neither figure is an award. Kroger contests liability, while both the fee question and any additional damages remain for the court to resolve. The amount, if any, ultimately awarded could differ from the amount Albertsons seeks.
When does the trial start?
Albertsons’ SEC filing scheduled a two-week Delaware Chancery Court trial to begin October 19, 2026. That is the reported schedule, not confirmation that proceedings have begun or that the court has ruled. Trial dates and court proceedings can change, so the live docket is the best source for the current schedule and any rulings. The October 12 report and the filing do not establish the case’s eventual result or a final calculation of damages.
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- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Albertsons seeking from Kroger?
Albertsons is demanding more than $9 billion, according to Bloomberg Law’s October 12, 2026 report. The claim includes a $600 million termination fee and additional damages.
Why does Albertsons say Kroger owes it money?
Albertsons alleges that Kroger failed to meet merger-agreement obligations needed to secure regulatory approval. Kroger denies that account and says Albertsons failed to perform its own obligations.
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- Redemption Steps: Customer must present eGift QR code payment either printed, or on mobile device to Checker as tender.
- Albertsons Companies gift cards can be redeemed at any of our store locations or for online transactions. For online purchases, gift cards must first be loaded to the applicable Albertsons Companies banner wallet (example Safeway, Jewel, Vons, etc).
- Checker Instructions: Total order, Press EFT FULL, Scan QR code (printed or mobile version) with handheld scanner.
- Self-checkout Instructions: Select "Pay with Scan" when prompted for payment type, then scan QR code with handheld scanner."
- Visit ALBERTSONS.THEGIFTCARDSHOP.COM/RETAIL to find a store location near you
Has a court ordered Kroger to pay more than $9 billion?
No. The figure is Albertsons’ demand in pending litigation, not a court award. Kroger disputes liability, and the damages remain unresolved.
When is the Albertsons-Kroger trial scheduled to begin?
Albertsons’ SEC filing scheduled a two-week Delaware Chancery Court trial to begin October 19, 2026. The docket should be checked for any schedule changes or rulings.
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- Redemption Steps: Customer must present eGift QR code payment either printed, or on mobile device to Checker as tender.
- Albertsons Companies gift cards can be redeemed at any of our store locations or for online transactions. For online purchases, gift cards must first be loaded to the applicable Albertsons Companies banner wallet (example Safeway, Jewel, Vons, etc).
- Checker Instructions: Total order, Press EFT FULL, Scan QR code (printed or mobile version) with handheld scanner.
- Self-checkout Instructions: Select "Pay with Scan" when prompted for payment type, then scan QR code with handheld scanner."
- Visit ALBERTSONS.THEGIFTCARDSHOP.COM/RETAIL to find a store location near you
The Bottom Line
Albertsons is seeking more than $9 billion from Kroger, including a claimed $600 million termination fee and additional damages, after their $24.6 billion merger was halted in September 2024. Kroger disputes the claims and has counterclaimed. The damages demand is not an award, and the court’s decision remains unresolved.
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